Lead story
Editor's note:
It’s probably safe to say Americans have seen more headlines about Orthodox Christianity since Russia invaded Ukraine than in the past couple of years combined. The Russian Orthodox Church is at the core of common heritage that Vladimir Putin claims unites present-day Russia, Ukraine and Belarus: a so-called Russian World he seems to dream of restoring.
Many Ukrainians take quite a different view of their history and culture – and religion is no exception. Most do identify as Orthodox, but that’s just part of the story. Kathryn David, a Vanderbilt University scholar of Eastern European history who focuses on religion and nationalism, writes that Putin is ignoring the country’s unique religious heritage.
“Many Ukrainians throughout history have seen religion as something that asserts their separateness from Russia,” she writes, “not their commonality.”
Religion News
Earliest mention of ‘Yahweh’ found in archaeological dump
The artifact, less than 1 inch in length and width, and known as a curse tablet, may spur renewed debate on the dating of biblical events, especially those told in the Book of Exodus. By Jerry Pattengale/Religion News Service
Indigenous tell pope of abuses at Canada residential schools
Indigenous leaders from Canada and survivors of the country’s notorious residential schools met with Pope Francis and told him of the abuses they suffered at the hands of Catholic priests and school workers. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press
At a time when reports of clergy burnout and clergy misconduct are soaring, this group has been able to forge a tight collegial peer group to help them navigate challenges, avoid pitfalls and find joy and fulfillment in their calling. By Yonat Shimron/Religion News Service
Orthodox patriarch denounces ‘atrocious invasion’ of Ukraine
The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians on Tuesday denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “atrocious” act that is causing enormous suffering. By Vanessa Gera/The Associated Press
Taliban hard-liners turning back the clock in Afghanistan
Taliban hard-liners are turning back the clock in Afghanistan with a flurry of repressive edicts over the past days that hark to their harsh rule from the late 1990s. By Kathy Gannon/The Associated Press
Commentary and Analysis
Women's contributions to global Christianity are immense, but scholars' understanding is hampered by limited data. By Gina Zurlo for The Conversation
A scholar who spent many years living with the Crimean Tatars explains their long history of persecution. By Brian Glyn Williams for The Conversation
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has put a spotlight on the views of the Russian Orthodox Church. A scholar of Russian religion explains the structure and history of Orthodox Christianity. By J. Eugene Clay for The Conversation
Mormons have broadened their support for LGBTQ rights in three key areas, though they still lag the nation in supporting the right of gay couples to get married — or to walk into any bakery in the country and buy themselves a wedding cake. By Jana Riess/Religion News Service
Men raise an Islamic flag during celebrations of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as Taliban soldiers stand guard at the Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, March 21, 2022. Nowruz is an ancient Persian festival celebrated on the first day of spring in many countries, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Iran. (AP Photos/Mohammed Shoaib Amin)
Did a friend or colleague forward this to you? Click the button below to subscribe.
- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment